Latest news for the Nebraskans for the Arts
Latest news for the Nebraskans for the Arts
Advancing the Arts as essential to Life & Learning for All Nebraskans
Latest News on the National Endowment for the Arts
Congress is in recess until April 24-25, but there is still plenty of advocacy activity that can be done to support the arts, especially when your elected representatives are in your district.  Here is what is taking place at the federal level.
The Trump Administration released their FY2018 budget, calling for the elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and other cultural programs. Nebraskans advocated in force on March 21 in support of National Arts Advocacy Day against these cuts (see report in next section).
On March 28, the Trump Administration released a detailed proposal calling for a $15 million reduction to both the NEA and NEH for the current FY2017 budget year. These are siginificant cuts nearly half-way through the current fiscal year, which started on October 1 and could crucially impact many of the programs already contracted out by arts organizations across Nebraska. Your Congressional representatives must vote on a Continuing Resolution by April 28 for the federal budget; contact them now to express your opposition to these budget proposals and your support of the NEA in our E-Advocacy Center. 
The CREATE Act (Comprehensive Resources for Entrepreneurs in the Arts to Transform the Economy) was introduced. The bill is designed to boost the creative economy and support the development of jobs and arts businesses across the nation. The legislation is divided into three sections:
  1. Provide support to artists and entrepreneurs to create and sustain arts-related businesses,
  2. Provide support to museums and arts institutions, and
  3. Provide support for arts in communities.
More information about the CREATE Act can be found HERE. You can also encourage your U.S. Senators and Congress Members to co-sponsor the CREATE Act in our E-Advocacy Center. 
Thank You for making Arts Advocacy Day a Success
Over 450 arts advocates gathered in six locations across Nebraska on March 21 to rally in opposition to President Trump's budget proposal to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts. Letters, emails, phone calls and social media posts were sent to elected officials in support for the NEA and its vital role in our communities.
  • The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) designates 40% of its funds to state arts agencies.
  • The Nebraska Arts Council designates 40% of its NEA funds to grants.
  • The Nebraska Arts Council gives, on average, 400 grants per year.
  • If the NEA is eliminated, 40% of each Nebraska Arts Council grant would be eliminated.
Love the Arts in Nebraska? Join Nebraskans for the Arts!
Nebraskans for the Arts relies on you, our supporters, to do the advocacy we do and keep the arts and creativity growing in Nebraska. Membership starts at only $25. DONATE NOW and help us share the importance of the arts for better schools and better communities.
Support Nebraskans for the Arts While You Eat, Shop, and Play 
You can support NFTA's arts advocacy activities through TAGG and Proseeds. Participating businesses donate 5% of your purchase to organizations you designate - without costing you an extra dime. Donations through TAGG are managed through their app; Proseeds identifies your donations by your safe-and-secure linking of your credit and debit cards. 
Nebraska Legislature Update 
The Nebraska Legislature continues to deliberate on the budget. For the next two years the budget forwarded to the full legislature calls for a 4% reduction to the operating budget of the Nebraska Arts Council.
A key date that will help dictate the budget's discussion is April 26, when the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Board meets. Their revenue forecast for the next two years will provide parameters the Legislature will use in debating the budget.
Our E-Advocacy page is your source for tracking issues affecting the arts and arts education. We have listed bills of interest; clicking on the bill's link will take you to a synopsis of the bill and why we are monitoring it. You can find our E-Advocacy page by clicking HERE.
Career Opportunties in the Arts
Omaha Community Playhouse is seeking a Director of Finance/HR who is a hands-on and participative manager and will lead and develop an internal team to support the following areas: finance, business planning and budgeting, human resources, administration and IT. OCP opportunity 
Joslyn Art Museum is hiring a Preparator, who works with the Manager of Installation and Design to ensure the proper installation and care of permanent collection, temporary exhibitions and loans.  Joslyn opportunity
Arts for All has a number of instructor positions open and is seeking a Grant Writer. Arts for All opportunities
Omaha Children's Museum is seeking an Office Assistant/ Receptionist that will also provide assistance to the Group Sales Coordinator. OCM opportunity
Student Spotlight for April 2017 
Art education provides students with opportunities that foster individual expression and independent thinking. An excellent example of this is Nebraskans for the Arts’ April Student Spotlight winner, Alexsis Wagstaff.
“Aleksis’ ability is tremendous; she is easily one of our most talented students,” says her nominator, Mary Todero, Art Teacher at Park Middle School.  “She takes every assignment very seriously and moves it to the highest level, intellectually and visually.”
Aleksis is a senior at Papillion LaVista High School. Recognitions she has received include Gold Key, Nebraska Federation of Women’s Clubs Art Show, Scholastic Art Awards and the school’s Honor Roll.
“She is talented in every medium and is truly one of the most dedicated and talented students with whom I have been able to work,” says Todero. 
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